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Ridge Top Farm

Ridge Top Farm

Manawatu/Rangitikei

Ridge Top Farm is a unique opportunity to combine the tranquility of glamping with a true North Island 'Kiwi farm' experience.

Located at Tapuae, half way between Wellington and Taupo and just 20 minutes from State Highway 1, Ridge Top Farm makes the ideal stop-over for people travelling the North Island. The 1500 acre sheep and beef farm has stunning panoramic views encompassing Kapiti Island, Mt Egmont and Mt Ruapehu - the perfect place to soak up the central North Island scenery.

The country-themed campsite is nestled into a sheltered spot on the scenic farm, right next to a pretty wetland with regenerating native bush. A luxury tent and hut, a camp kitchen and bathroom, and a dedicated campfire area, create a social and relaxed space for a farmstay experience.

Wake up between cotton sheets and under a cosy duvet, to the sound of magpies warbling in the early morning light. Start your day off on the right foot with a piping hot shower in the camp bathroom. Cook a meal on the campfire with the kids, or just lie back in the outdoor bath with a cold drink and a good book.

Luxury camping at Ridge Top Farm is an experience that everyone will love. From families and groups of friends holidaying together, through to couples seeking a peaceful retreat and international tourists looking for adventure - this quintessential Kiwi farm offers an entertaining taste of true rural New Zealand.

FROM
$190
p/n

Sleeps
10

Child Friendly

Getting There

FAQS

Rates and Extras

Booking Terms

Make sure you download or print this handy info sheet with directions and host contact details prior to your journey. You may not have mobile reception at all times.

address

directions

Ridge Top Farm is just 20 minutes from State Highway 1 just North of Hunterville and exactly half way between Wellington and Taupo.

Directions from Wellington (drive time 2 1/2 hours):

Follow SH1 to Sanson.

At Sanson (end of Foxton Straights) go straight ahead onto Cemetery Road, follow this until the end, then turn left onto Halcombe-Mt Stewart Road, follow this until you come into Halcombe (across the railway line).

Go straight through Halcombe on the Halcombe Stanway Road until it comes to the end, then turn right onto Makino Road, follow this for about 4km. At the Stanway Church (on right), turn left onto Shorts Road (sign posted to Waituna West). Follow this until the end, then turn left onto Dunolly Road. Follow this until end, then turn right onto Williamson Road West. Follow this until the end, then turn left onto State Highway 54 (signpost to Waituna West and Taupo). Follow this approx 1.5 km into Waituna West then turn right onto Waituna Tapuae Road (just before the little bridge), follow this approx 10.2kms. When climbing up Waituna Tapuae Road at about 7.5kms you will come across a 'School Bus Route Sign' just after the sign make sure you follow the road around to the left and stay on the tarseal (don't turn off onto the gravel side road). About another 1km on, the tarseal stops and the last 1.5kms are gravel and our gateway is on the LEFT, number 1027 is on the fencepost just past the sheepyards.

Please note: If you would like to go through Feilding from Wellington (adds an extra 15mins to your trip and gives you a chance to stock up on your supplies or see the Farmers Market on a Friday). Directions are; At Sanson turn right onto SH1 / SH3, follow this for approx 10mins until you come to a slight left turn onto Stewart Road (signs for Feilding). Follow this to the end and slight turn left again onto Awahuri Feilding Road and this will lead you all the way into Feilding (approx 5 mins)

Directions from Taihape (drive time 1 hour):

After Taihape continue on SH 1 through Mangaweka (it's the one with DC3 plane on the road side ) then go through Ohinigati (only has a pub) then continue driving for approx 15 minutes until you see the sign on the left to FEILDING. Turn left onto this road (SH 54). You then stay on this road for about 20mins, over heaps of little bridges, thru Rewa, up a big hill and along some straights until you arrive in Waituna West. In Waituna West turn LEFT just after a little narrow bridge onto Waituna-Tapuae Rd. Follow this road for 10.2kms. When climbing up Waituna Tapuae Road at about 7.5kms you will come across a 'School Bus Route Sign' just after the sign make sure you follow the road around to the left and stay on the tarseal (don't turn off onto the gravel side road). About another 1km on, the tarseal stops and the last 1.5kms are gravel and our gateway is on the LEFT, number 1027 is on the fencepost just past the sheepyards.

From Feilding go North out of town on the Kimbolton Road towards Cheltenham for about 12kms. At Cheltenham (pub & diary) turn left onto the Cheltenham Hunterville Road (SH54, signposted to Taupo), follow this road for about 15mins until you come into Waituna West. At Waituna West turn right into Waituna Tapuae Road (just before the little bridge). We are up this road approx 10.2kms. When climbing up Waituna Tapuae Road at about 7.5kms you will come across a 'School Bus Route Sign' just after the sign make sure you follow the road around to the left and stay on the tarseal (don't turn off onto the gravel side road). About another 1km on, the tarseal stops and the last 1.5kms are gravel and our gateway is on the LEFT, number 1027 is on the fencepost just past the sheepyards.

ONCE YOU GET THERE

Just head up the driveway to the main house where Sarah and Angus will greet you and show you to the campsite. At the campsite, they'll show you where everything is, how everything works and brief you on any safety issues, such as making you aware of the Native Stinging Nettle (Onga Onga).

The camp kitchen and dining space is a covered area, protected with drop down clear plastic walls for shelter from the weather.

There is a bench, sink, hot running water and walk-in pantry. There is a gas BBQ for cooking as well as a gas ring. The campfire is also a novel cooking option!

All the pots, cutlery and utensils you'll need for cooking and eating are provided. Plastic containers are supplied for dry food storage. A large chilly-bin which can keep food cold/frozen for up to 3 days is supplied for cool food storage. Some pantry basics are provided - cooking oil, salt and pepper, tea, coffee and sugar.

The tent at Ridge Top Farm has a special tent wood-burner that keeps things very cosy in the shoulder seasons. It may not burn all night, but you'll have plenty of warm bedding to keep you cosy until morning.

Ridge Top Farm is open for shoulder season stays, but bear in mind that you're booking an off-grid escape - without the usual luxuries of a fully powered home. Glamping is still a form of camping!

Ridge Top Farm has lots of warm bedding, a wood-burner in the tent, and plenty of other elements that will make your stay cosy and atmospheric. If you book a stay in the colder months, bring your sense of adventure, brush up on your fire-lighting skills and be prepared for the elements!

The campsite is a short drive into the property. Guests park their cars on the ridge of the campsite area, and it's a quick one minute walk to the campsite from there. Your car is conveniently handy, so it’s no drama to pop out to explore the local area anytime. You're welcome to come and go from the property as you please.

Yes - The campsite at Ridge Top Farm has a campfire area which is a great place to relax with a glass of wine and a bag of marshmallows at the end of the day. It is dependent on the time of year and conditions though, and at certain times of the year will be unavailable due to higher than normal fire risk.

Ridge Top Farm is a working sheep and beef farm, with hazards both farm related (ie. machinery and animals) and natural (ie. Ongaonga/stinging nettle). You'll need to supervise children closely, as there are specific water hazards, such as the wetland area in front of the campsite. For your own safety please do not touch any farm machinery, and do not enter the woolshed or other buildings on the property. Being a hill country farm there are many areas that are prone to slips. Guests will be asked to stick to the campsite area and the marked 'glamp and tramp' track (if they do this) to avoid slip areas.

Yes - Leading up to Christmas, Sarah also offers corporate and team building days, where teams of up to 25 can come and enjoy the campsite for the day. A package can be put together to incorporate a number of options, including full catering, or any of the activities outlined below. To find out more, contact Sarah directly at ridgetopfarmnz@gmail.com.

Ridge Top Farm has a two night minimum stay period on weekends, but does allow single night midweek stays (Sun - Thursday) outside the main summer holiday period (Dec 20th - Jan 31st). A single night surcharge of $30 will apply.

Where there is a single night gap between bookings during the main holiday period (20 December to 31 January), it may be possible to book that single night with a surcharge of $30. If you are interested in this option, please email us with your date request.

Ridge Top Farm has a standard minimum stay period of two nights for weekends, but does allow stays of one night for midweek nights (Sunday - Thursday) outside of the main holiday period (20 December - 31 January) and the April school holidays. There is a $30 surcharge for single night stays.

The minimum booking period for long weekends such as Labour Weekend, Anniversary Weekend etc is 3 nights. The minimum booking period for Easter is 4 nights.

Where there is a single night gap between bookings during the main holiday period or the April school holidays, it may be possible to book that single night with a surcharge of $30. If you are interested in this option, please email us with your date request.

The nightly rate is $220 for up to two people.
Additional people are $25 per person, per night. Babies under one year are free.
Maximum number of people over the summer season is ten.
Midweek one night stays are allowed outside of the main holiday period (20 Dec - 31 Jan) and have a single night surcharge of $30.

Off-peak (1 May to 30 September):

The nightly rate is $190 for up to two people.
Single midweek-night surcharge - $30
Ridge Top Farm has a 'couples only' policy in the off-peak season.

'Glamp n Tramp' - $30 per adult, $20 per child (aged 15 or less)
A marked tramp over farmland, taking in amazing views from Kapiti to Mount Ruapehu, with a delicious packed picnic lunch. (Glamp n Tramp is not available over lambing season, between 25 August - 30 September.)

Shearing Demonstration - $30 per adult, $10 per child, aged 15 or less (minimum 2 adults for this activity)
Come along to the Woolshed where you will enjoy watching Angus shearing a couple of sheep. You are welcome to take photos, videos and even take a sample of wool home with you to show your school friends. While at the Woolshed, the kids can have a go at sliding down the sheep race.

Claybird shooting - $100 for 30 shots (for up to 3 people), extra people are $35 per person
Armed with a shotgun and expert tuition, experience the thrill of shooting claybirds overlooking expansive farmland. Clay traps are set on the terrace in front of the main house, all equipment including ear muffs will be provided. No previous experience required. Claybird shooting is subject to availability, and must be booked a minimum of 72 hours prior to arrival.

Golf Driving - $1 for every ball not returned
Golf driving is free of charge, as long as you return all the balls! Tee off from the green at the campsite into the drums across the gully.

Leading up to Christmas, Sarah also offers corporate and team building days, where teams of up to 25 can come and enjoy the campsite for the day. A package can be put together to incorporate a number of options, including full catering, or any of the activities outlined below. To find out more, contact Sarah directly at ridgetopfarmnz@gmail.com.

Give the gift of glamping! Gift Vouchers are available for Ridge Top Farm or any Canopy Camping Escapes glamping site. These are provided in electronic format, for you to print out and pop in a greeting card for the lucky recipient. Read more about our gift vouchers, including how to purchase one, here.

1.1 A deposit of 10% is required to confirm your booking and secure the property. This will be charged to your credit card at the time of booking. A 2.75% credit card payment surcharge will be applied to this payment.

1.2 On receipt of the deposit, you will receive an email confirming both the payment and your booking details.

1.3 The remaining balance will be due 4 weeks in advance of your arrival date. An email reminder will be sent to you 3 days prior to this date, where an outstanding balance remains. The reminder email gives you the option to pay the remaining balance by internet banking or, if your internet banking payment has not been received within 48 hours, the remaining balance will automatically be charged to the credit card used at the time of booking. Please note: a 2.75% credit card payment surcharge is applied to all payments made by credit card. Credit card data is held in a secure and encrypted environment.

1.4 Bookings made within 4 weeks in advance of your arrival date will be charged the full balance at the time of booking (this may be processed in two payments).

1.5 If you are unable to pay the balance before the stated due date, you will forfeit your deposit and your booking will be cancelled.

1.6 Bookings made online within 48 hours of arrival will not be confirmed immediately. Once the campsite has agreed that the booking can be honoured, the guest will be informed by Canopy Camping Escapes and the credit card used for the online booking will be charged the full balance of the stay (note that there is a 2.75% credit card fee).

2.1 Some campsites may have limitations due to weather. If severe weather is forecast we will call you as soon as possible prior to your scheduled arrival date to advise you and cancel your booking. You can choose whether to defer your holiday to a later date subject to availability or receive a full refund.

2.2 Your 10% deposit is non-refundable, however it can be transferred to another booking made within a 12 month period, if your stay is cancelled more than 3 weeks prior to your arrival.

2.3 Cancellation by you within 4-21 days of your arrival date will result in 50% of the total cost of your stay being charged. Cancellation within 3 days of your arrival date will result in 100% of the total cost of your stay being charged.

3.1 Campsites are often situated on working farms and there are hazards both natural and man-made. You accept that you enter the property at your own risk to participate in a glamping holiday.

3.2 Participation in activities such as, outdoor baths, climbing trees, walking on the property and any other activity on the property is the responsibility of the Guest and is done so at their own risk.

6.1 The Guests have the right to occupy the Property for the paid holiday period only.

6.2 Guests are required to observe the rules and familiarise themselves with the procedures contained in the information folder provided in the tent.

6.3 Guests shall take all reasonable and proper care of the property and its furniture, fittings and effects in or on the property and leave them in the same state of repair, condition, cleanliness and tidiness as at the commencement of the rental period.

6.4 Guests are required to inform the owner of any damage or breakage in or around the property promptly so that it can be repaired and replaced for the next guests. Guests are bound to reimburse the owners for replacement, repair or extra cleaning costs where reasonably demanded by the owners for damage caused by the guests.

6.5 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the property.

6.6 Guests undertake to behave in a proper, appropriate and legal manner with due respect to the Owner, the Property and other guests and their property. If any guest behaves inappropriately or improperly (of which the Owner will be the final judge on their Property), or illegally, the Owner reserves the right to ask the guest and their party (at their discretion) to leave the Property before the end of the holiday period. Any refund for so doing will be at the entire discretion of the Owner in consulation with Canopy Camping Escapes.

The person who completes the Booking Form certifies that: he or she is authorised to agree the Booking Conditions on behalf of all persons included in the Booking Form, including those substituted or added at a later date; the signatory is over eighteen years of age; they agree to take responsibility for the party occupying the Property, and to notify Canopy Camping Escapes if they are not a member of the holiday party.

Eating and Drinking

If you really want to spoil yourselves - go for the Ridge Top Farm fully-catered glamping experience. Your host, Sarah offers breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts (as well as delicious treats for morning and afternoon tea).

This option completely removes the hassle involved in self catering. All these meals are prepared by Sarah, and only require you to do either a quick heat through, or some final prep prior to cooking on the BBQ. It's also a great way to handle meals if you're holidaying with a group of friends - and excellent value. Sarah also offers individual meals - either breakfast, lunch or dinner.

If you'd like to self-cater, Ridge Top Farm has all the facilities you need. Just bring your own food and and cook meals using the BBQ and equipment provided in your private camp kitchen. You'll find cutlery, crockery, pots and pans, and utensils.

And if you'd like to take a break from cooking - head in to Fielding for a meal. The Strong Room, Focal Point, Paper Plus cafe, and Sushi House which are all in Feilding.

The nearest supermarkets are either the Countdown or New World, 30 minutes away in Fielding. The nearest store selling basics, is 15 minutes away in Cheltenham. You'll also be able to stock up on beer and wine at the Cheltenham Pub.

Things To Do

There will be plenty to do to keep the family busy at Ridge Top Farm!

At the campsite you'll find board games, nearby animals to visit and the wetland to explore with the kids. Golf driving for the adults and hill sliding on sacks for the kids offers hours of fun. Relax in the double outdoor baths or spend some time socialising around the campfire - a glass of wine in one hand, and a toasted marshmallow in the other.

Sarah and Angus also offer paid activities on the farm. Enjoy a ‘Glamp n Tramp’ over scenic farmland. Try your hand at clay bird shooting. Or watch a sheep shearing demonstration in the woolshed.

If you feel like exploring the local area, visit the Feilding Farmers Market, a 30 minute drive away (9.00am - 2.00pm on Fridays). The Rangitikei River is just 20 minutes away. Vinegar Hill is a popular river swimming spot. The Rangitikei River is also a popular fly fishing river.

The beautiful Cross Hill Gardens (a 30 minute drive away) feature 7 hectares of park like gardens, including one of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas. For a bit more action, have a round of golf at the Rangitira Golf Course, or get your adrenalin rush at Gravity Cannon Bungy and Flying Fox - about 45 minutes drive away.

Your Hosts

Your hosts at Ridge Top Farm are Angus and Sarah Gilbertson - who own and run Ridge Top Farm along with the help of their three young children, Tom, George and Pippa. Part of the original family farm, 'Tapuae', Ridge Top Farm is 1500 acres of truly authentic Kiwi farmland.

Angus grew up in nearby Fielding. After working on several large stations and mustering throughout the North Island, he bought into his mother's family farm 'Tapuae' in 1998, to begin farming his own family land.

Sarah, originally from rural Masterton, met Angus when she was living in Auckland. They were married in 2008 and now very much enjoy their family life in this peaceful part of rural New Zealand.

In 2012, Sarah and Angus came across glamping - and decided it was something they would love to try on their property. As one of the first in the Canopy Camping Escapes collection, they created a unique farm-inspired glamping experience. And with their 1500 acres of rolling farmland, approximately 4,000 sheep, 300 cattle, free range chickens, farm dogs, pet sheep and goats, plus loads of activities, there's no shortage of farm-style experiences to choose from!

"

Had a great time with our family at Ridge Top Farm. The setting was perfect, as was the set up. Couldn't ask for a better Easter break reconnecting with family and enjoying each others company. Thanks Sarah and Angus!

"

Katie Hammond - 4 April 2017

"

Ridge Top Farm is the perfect combination of glamour and camping. With games, an outdoor fire, great views, and fantastic facilities, it is definitely somewhere we thoroughly enjoyed and would go back to!

"

Andreas - 22 March 2018

"

Ridge Top Farm was a great place to go to, not far from the city or towns. The owners are great people very hospitable and caring. Sarah cooked us an awesome meal. It was truly an amazing experience.

"

Anthea Wilson - 11 March 2018

"

Wow! What an experience. Absolutely gorgeous setting, with everything so well thought out. A beautiful big comfy bed and a gorgeous double outdoor bath..... paradise!

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